A new agreement between Datastrip and Image Metrics will soon allow face biometric templates to be stored on 2D barcodes. Image Metrics will use its Optasia technology to store face templates in Datastrip’s 2D barcode technology.

The deal will mean that ID cards and such like will be able to carry much more biometric data for identification, but in an encoded format. Previously face recognition templates have been too big to be stored in 2D barcode form, but Optasia creates templates that are as small as 400 bytes. As a 2D barcode can hold up to three kilobytes, this means that a card can carry both a template, and fingerprints and other data for identification purposes.

The two companies plan to develop a solution that will allow the cards to be read by a handheld device, which can be used for manual verification if a biometric check fails. The International Civil Aviation Organisation has already selected Datastrip’s technology as a the standard for machine readable travel documents.

“The partnership, will enable Image Metrics’ technology to be distributed by the existing worldwide network of organisations that utilise the Datastrip 2D bar code and reading devices,“ commented Dick Clark, vice president of Image Metrics Security Business Unit.

Steve Blackmore, managing director of Datastrip added: “Optasia’s face reconstruction module offers Datastrip something truly unique. The applications for this ability will be truly global, and allow the use of the facial biometric in an easy to use, low cost environment—truly enhancing the security of identity related information”.